VoIP Basic Tidbits

Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is the transmission of voice information over IP-based networks or the Internet. It involves delivery of voice information in digital form, such as fax, SMS, and/or voice-messaging applications, in separate packets instead of the traditional circuit-committed protocols of the public switched telephone network. You are able to make and receive voice calls just as long as you have broadband Internet connection. The main advantage of VoIP is the low cost since you can bid goodbye to high fees charged by ordinary telephone service.

The Internet Protocol or IP was originally used for data networking. The achievement of IP in being a worldwide standard for data networking has made possible for its adaption to voice networking.

Other VoIP services can only permit you to call other people using the same service, but some will let you call anyone who has a telephone number. VoIP lets you make a call straight from your computer, a special VoIP phone, or a regular phone connected to a special adapter. If the person on the other end has a standard analog phone, that person does not need any special tools to talk to you. Some VoIP services even let you speak to more than one person at a time.

Other terms frequently encountered and often used in the same way with VoIP are IP telephony, Internet telephony, broadband telephony, voice over broadband (VoBB), and broadband phone.

VoIP calls are made through the use of Internet. Many Internet connections are charged via flat monthly fee deals. Additionally, VoIP plans do not charge a per-minute fee for long distance calls and that is the reason why people are all raves about it.

To avail of the services of VoIP, you should at least have a broadband (high speed Internet) connection. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. A computer, adaptor, or specialized phone is necessary.

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